G7 defence ministers’ first ever meeting reaffirms support for Ukraine

Defence Ministers of the G7 on Saturday reaffirmed their unity amid escalating conflict in the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine, a joint statement from meeting in Naples, Italy stated.

The defence chiefs from seven of the West’s riches states expressed common determination on Saturday to address security challenges at “a time in history marked by great instability.”

“We underscore our intent to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, including military assistance in the short and long term,” the G7 ministers said. They represent Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said “the brutal Russian aggressions in Ukraine and the indeed critical situation in the Middle East, combined with the profound instability of sub-Saharan Africa and the increasing tension in the Indo-Pacific region, highlight a deteriorated security framework with forecasts for the near future that cannot be positive.”

“On one side, the countries and the organisations that believe in a world order based on international law; on the other side, those who systematically disrespect democracy to pursue their objectives, including by a deliberate use of military force,” the Italian Defence Minister added in his opening speech.

Josep Borell, the High Representative of the European Union, and Mark Rutte, NATO’s Secretary General, also attended the one-day meeting.

Their joint declaration also condemned Iran’s ballistic missiles and large-scale attacks against Israel and emphasised the importance for all parties to act in accordance with international law.

The G7 defence chiefs also expressed concern over all threats to UNIFIL’s security in Lebanon, saying the protection of the peacekeepers is incumbent upon all parties to a conflict.

Security in Africa and developments in the Asia-Pacific region were also discussed.

Italy holds the 2024 rotating chairmanship of the G7, a group that also includes the United States, Canada, Japan, Britain, Germany, and France.